A "HOTEL" in South Croydon said to be a hotbed of nuisance behaviour has been shut down.

The Gomers Hotel in Warham Road – used as a house of multiple occupancy – was closed by Croydon Council last Thursday.

Magistrates granted the authority a closure order after hearing of "serious and persistent antisocial behaviour" from the premises.

Owner Laurence Kite did not oppose the application, and the court heard how he had been "unable to control" his tenants, who had also stolen lead piping from the house.

Mr Kite said he intended to sell the premises and was in talks with a buyer.

Councillor Simon Hoar, cabinet member for community safety and public protection, said: "We are very pleased to have finally secured this closure order.

"This hotel has been the cause of persistent antisocial behaviour and we have previously warned the owner about the need to take urgent action and bring this to a stop.

"Sadly this did not happen, and we had no choice but to pursue this in the courts."

Last week's report carried a sub heading which stated: "Council delays on closure order for business amid complaints from local residents". In fact, the case was adjourned to give the hotel's landlord more time to seek legal advice.